Network and Communications Manager

County-of-Sonoma-; Santa Rosa (CA); Hybrid; USD 166,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework

Salary advancement program

Paid time off & holidays

Health insurance contributions

Retirement benefits

Job summary

County of Sonoma is seeking a Network and Communications Manager to lead the Information Systems Department's Network Infrastructure Team in Santa Rosa, CA. You will supervise staff, guide modernization efforts, and manage budgets, vendors, and security for enterprise networks and unified communications.

The role emphasizes leadership, strategic planning, strong communication, and hands‑on technical expertise in network, voice, and cloud services.

Qualifications

• Four or more years in networking/IT in a multi‑platform environment.
• Experience leading technical staff and projects, with coaching and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise and data center networking, including LAN/WAN, wireless, routing, SDN, and security.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor staff; schedule work and manage performance.
• Oversee modernization and lifecycle of network, UC, security, and cloud connectivity infrastructure.
• Manage budgets, procurement, vendor relationships, and contracts for infrastructure operations.

Skills

Network leadership

Enterprise networking

VoIP & UC platforms

Cloud networking & security

Vendor management

Staff coaching & mentoring

Communication skills

Tools

SDN

Firewall/VPN

Network monitoring tools

Job description

The Information Systems Department (ISD) is seeking a talented Network and Communications Manager to join their team.

Starting salary up to $88.27/hour ($184,230/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

About the Position

The Network and Communications Manager leads the County's Network Infrastructure Team within the Information Systems Department and oversees enterprise networking, telecommunications, unified communications, and network security services. This position provides technical and operational leadership while supervising staff, managing resources, and vendor relationships. In addition, this position will be responsible for:

• Coaching, directing, and scheduling the work of staff, including staff development, training, and performance management
• Leading the modernization and lifecycle management of the County's network, telecommunications, unified communications, security, and cloud connectivity infrastructure
• Managing expenditures and contributing to budget planning, forecasting, and purchasing for infrastructure operations and modernization initiatives
• Overseeing network and communications services, including security, performance, availability, disaster recovery, and business continuity
• Managing vendor and carrier relationships, contracts, service agreements, expenditures, and infrastructure purchasing
• Providing leadership during emergency events, major outages, service disruptions, and security incidents
• Assessing infrastructure performance and risks and recommending improvements to support reliable, secure, and resilient technology services
• Communicating project status, operational priorities, risks, and infrastructure needs to senior leadership and key stakeholders

The ideal candidate is an experienced technical leader who will bring strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills to effectively manage complex technology operations and initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess many of the following:

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical staff and complex infrastructure projects, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management
• Broad technical knowledge of enterprise and data center networking, including LAN/WAN, wireless, Software Defined Networking, routing protocols, and network automation
• Extensive experience designing, implementing, and modernizing complex voice and data networks, including VoIP and cloud‑based unified communications platforms
• Knowledge of cloud networking, hybrid infrastructure, and network security principles, including Zero Trust, segmentation, monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical information to various audiences, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and build effective working relationships
• Superb analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities

This position is also required to have access to the Sheriff’s Office or Probation Department facilities. This requires a more extensive “Security Clearance” that will be performed after hire. Successful completion of the probationary period may be contingent upon passing the security clearance, which may include completion and review of a Personal History Statement packet, Live Scan fingerprint‑based criminal history checks, warrant checks, written reference checks, etc. If you are offered a position that requires a security clearance, the job offer letter will clearly specify this as a condition of the probationary period.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hybrid Telework – A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement – A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full‑time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off – Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Staff Development/Wellness – Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions – 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee‑only and employee + family health plan options
• Post‑Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement – County contributions to help fund post‑retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement – A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation – 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave – May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits – Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Network Communications Manager position in the Information Systems Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full‑time, part‑time, or extra‑help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list.

Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

The Civil Service title of the position is Information Systems Project Manager.

Education

Any combination of education and training which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, graduation from a four‑year college or university with major coursework in computer science, information systems, electrical engineering or a closely related field would provide this opportunity. Additional highly relevant experience, formal training, and/or certifications directly related to area of assignment may be substituted for the required education.

License

Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Experience

Any combination of training and experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, four years of technical professional experience involving systems analysis, programming, systems support, systems engineering, or similar field in a multi‑platform information systems environment, including two years of experience either supervising other employees or functioning as a team leader on various projects. Specific experience related to the work of the assigned division may be required.

The position advertised on this announcement requires possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Considerable knowledge and understanding of: the inter‑relationship of mainframe, PC, LAN, Network and telecommunications systems including hardware components, software applications, operating systems, and documentation; methods to analyze and recommend business solutions to meet customer needs and requirements; principles, methods, and techniques of systems analysis; techniques, tools, and principles of project management.

Depending on assignment: database design; structured coding and analysis; application development products; specific programming techniques and languages; computer operations, including operating systems and software products; local and wide area network design, management, and operation; methods and techniques of troubleshooting hardware, software and inter‑connectivity problems; principles of data security; methods and techniques of providing support to users; design and maintenance of wireless communication systems; telecommunications systems and applications including voice, data, video, fiberoptics, and other components.

Working knowledge and understanding of: requirements and methods of procurement, contract negotiation and preparation; principles and practices of personnel supervision and management; budgeting principles and procedures.

Ability to: plan, organize and manage the activities of assigned staff; design, coordinate, and manage complex projects, systems, and/or operations; adapt to and plan for changes in technology and work environment; analyze customer's problems, develop effective business solutions, and prepare cost estimates; work cooperatively and effectively with staff, customers, vendors, and the public; perform a variety of tasks in a consistent and accurate manner; analyze and evaluate information, problems, and situations and develop an effective course of action; prepare clear, concise and accurate oral and written reports.

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to candidates.

For positions that require access to the Sheriff’s Office or Probation Department facilities, a more extensive “Security Clearance” will be performed after hire. Successful completion of the probationary period may be contingent upon passing the security clearance, which may include completion and review of a Personal History Statement packet, Live Scan fingerprint‑based criminal history checks, warrant checks, written reference checks, etc. If you are offered a position which requires a security clearance, the job offer letter will clearly specify this as a condition of the probationary period.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. Your conditional job letter may be reviewed. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: CA

HR Technician: VH